Warming Up to New Furnaces

Weil-McLain made the surprise announcement that it was going to start carrying 80 percent and 90 percent AFUE gas furnaces.

NEW YORK CITY - Keeping warm was on everyone’s mind as the temperatures barely reached 30°F during the 2008 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Exhibitors offered several new forced-air gas furnaces that featured high efficiency and superior comfort in compact sizes.

WARM AND TOASTY

Carrier (www.carrier.com) displayed its new Infinity™ IdealComfort™ modulating gas furnace, which provides up to 3.5 times tighter temperature control than most standard furnaces.

Bob Swilik, product manager, residential heating and cooling, noted, “This furnace has three levels of heating, which improves the comfort level. It’s the quietest furnace in the industry and also has an AFUE of 95 percent.” The two-stage furnace can remain at low speed, allowing it to automatically adjust to a desired temperature. In addition to better comfort control, the company estimates the furnace can save consumers up to $345 a year in energy costs when compared to previous Carrier single-stage models.

Contractors will like how simple it is to install, said Swilik. “The features are enhanced, but it’s still simple to install it and set it up. It’s advanced technology with a simple design.”

Bard (www.bardhvac.com) introduced its WF-Series Wall-Mount™ gas furnace. This energy-efficient system is designed to offer maximum indoor comfort at a minimal cost, without using valuable indoor floor space or outside ground space. The company states the unit is ideal for versatile applications such as new construction, modular offices, school modernization, retail stores, and other commercial applications.

Fedders (www.fedders.com) highlighted its new, 95 percent two-stage, variable-speed, all-position gas furnaces. The FV95A Series are just 40 inches tall and are designed for all position airflow, making them suitable for a variety of installations in areas such as attics, utility rooms, closets, alcoves, and basements. The variable-speed blower motor offers high-energy efficiency, low operating sound, and excellent air distribution. The units are designed to serve any home heating need and can be matched with cooling, humidification, and air cleaning products to provide a wholehouse air treatment solution.

“The FV95A furnaces employ the latest in electronically commutated motor (EMC) technology, so they use less electricity than standard motors, while precisely controlling temperature and airflow,” said Dave Pearson, executive vice president, sales.

Haier (www.haieramerica.com) introduced its HG95V 95 percent AFUE gas-fired furnace, which features a no-weld tubular primary heat exchanger for maximum efficiency. The secondary heat exchanger is constructed of AL29-4C stainless steel tubes for maximum heat transfer. The HG95A offers installation flexibility, in that venting can be through the top, left, or right of the cabinet, and electrical, gas connections, and condensate traps can be located on the left or right.

Regional manager Drew Dougherty noted that the very quiet furnace is compact, and “Contractors like that all the parts are interchangeable between the 80 percent and 95 percent units. The blower assembly is also down low, so it’s possible to simply pull it out if the need arises.”

Johnson Controls (www.johnsoncontrols.com) displayed its new York® Latitude™ and Affinity™ furnaces in a smaller size. The compact 33-inch furnaces are 7 inches shorter than previous models, which make them perfect for installations where space is limited.

Tom Huntington, vice president and general manager, United Products Group, noted that the new furnaces are designed with no sharp edges. “All sheet metal is folded and flattened to significantly reduce the potential for injury during installation and servicing. This also increases the rigidity of the cabinet and reduces sound vibrations.”

In addition, Affinity models include one-quarter turn latches that make door removal easy. The multi-position design of the units provides flexibility for all installations and applications, and the units also feature quieter operation and efficiencies ranging from 80 percent to 95 percent AFUE.

Weil-McLain (www.weil-mclain.com) made the surprise announcement that it is going to start carrying 80 percent and 90 percent AFUE gas furnaces. Tony Curran, VP-sales, stated that the company used to sell furnaces until the 1960s, then stopped until this year. The units will be available in February and feature weldless tubular heat exchangers, self-diagnosing control systems, patented high-temperature limit systems, easy service access with no door switches, and power terminals for humidifiers and electronic air cleaners. The 80 percent model will be available in all positions, while the 90 percent model is available in two styles, including upflow and downflow/horizontal.

Publication Date: 02/18/2008

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Joanna Turpin is Contributing Editor. She can be contacted at 480-726-7121 or joannaturpin@achrnews.com. Joanna has been with BNP Media since 1991, first heading up the company’s technical book division. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Washington and worked on her master’s degree in technical communication at Eastern Michigan University.